Nervy describes someone who shows bold confidence or daring, often in situations where most people would hesitate. When a soccer player attempts a nervy shot from midfield, they're taking a gutsy risk that could look brilliant or backfire spectacularly. When a student gives a nervy answer in class that challenges what the teacher just said, they're showing courage to speak up even though they might be wrong.

The word can lean positive or negative depending on context. A nervy performance might be impressively brave, like a gymnast attempting a difficult new move in competition. But calling someone nervy can also suggest they're being a bit cheeky or presumptuous: “It was pretty nervy of him to ask for extra dessert after complaining about dinner.”

The British use nervy more often than Americans, where it usually means bold or cheeky. Americans sometimes use it differently, to mean nervous or jittery, though this usage is less common. When you read it in a British book, think confident and daring. When a character makes a nervy decision, they're taking a calculated risk that requires real courage and careful thought about the consequences.